Abstract: A method of utilizing a wellbore tool in a subterranean formation includes disposing a wellbore tool in a borehole. The wellbore tool has a first body and a second body. The first body is translated relative to the second body while exposing at least one surface of at least one of the first and second bodies to a lubricant comprising an organometallic compound, and a protective coating forms over the first body and/or the second body. The protective coating formed includes a metal originating from the organometallic compound. A tool for forming or servicing a wellbore includes a first body; a second body configured to translate relative to the second body; and a lubricant adjacent the first body and the second body.

Abstract: Cutting elements include a volume of superabrasive material. The volume of superabrasive material comprises a front-cutting surface, an end-cutting surface, a cutting edge, and lateral side surfaces extending between and intersecting each of the front-cutting surface and the end-cutting surface. An earth-boring tool may comprise a bit body and at least one cutting element attached to the bit body. Methods of forming cutting elements comprise forming a volume of superabrasive material comprising forming a front-cutting surface, an end-cutting surface, a cutting edge, and lateral side surfaces extending between and intersecting each of the front-cutting surface and the end-cutting surface. Methods of forming earth-boring tools comprise forming a cutting element and attaching the cutting element to an earth-boring tool.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool designed for drilling a wellbore is disclosed. The drilling tool includes a bit body and a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades on exterior portions of the bit body. A first group of track-set cutting elements is on exterior portions of the first plurality of blades and a second group of track-set cutting elements is on the second plurality of blades. The first and second plurality of blades and the first group and second group of track-set cutting elements cooperate with each other to form a composite bit face profile such that each respective group of at least three neighbor cutting elements on the composite bite face profile is force balanced with respect to each other.

Abstract: A drill bit for obtaining core sample fragments from a subterranean formation includes a bit body having a bit centerline and a bit face, a plurality of blades extending radially along the bit face, including a coring blade, a plurality of cutting elements on the blades, and a non-planar insert embedded in the bit body proximate the bit centerline. One of the cutting elements is a first cutting element on the coring blade at a first radial position from the bit centerline, and at least a portion of the coring blade is radially outward from a most radially interior cutting part of the first cutting element.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutting elements include leached and un-leached regions. The leached region may be or include a leached annular region. An inner boundary of the leached annular region remote from a side surface of the polycrystalline diamond may have a non-linear profile in a plane extending through the PDC cutting element along a longitudinal axis of the cutting element. Methods of forming PDC cutting elements include configuring polycrystalline diamond of a PDC cutting element to have such a leached annular region with a non-linear profile. Earth-boring tools may be formed that include such PDC cutting elements.

Abstract: A rolling cone for use on an earth-boring tool includes a frustoconical surface at a proximal end of the rolling cone and an outer surface located distally of the frustoconical surface. The outer surface has a circumferential land surface adjacent the frustoconical surface. The rolling cone includes at least one gage cutting element affixed to the circumferential land surface. A portion of the at least one gage cutting element extends into the frustoconical surface. The at least one gage cutting element includes a volume of superabrasive material disposed on a substrate. A flat surface of the volume of superabrasive material intersects a front cutting face of the volume of superabrasive material. The flat surface is oriented at an acute angle relative to the front cutting face and is located on a side of the at least one gage cutting element that extends into the frustoconical surface of the rolling cone.

Abstract: A fixed-cutter earth-boring tool includes a first blade substantially comprising a first material having a first elastic modulus at a temperature, and a second blade substantially comprising a second material having a second elastic modulus at the temperature. The second elastic modulus is different from the first elastic modulus. A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades, and providing at least one cutting element on at least one of the plurality of blades. Some fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bits include a first blade exhibiting a first deflection when subjected to a load, and a second blade exhibiting a second deflection when subjected to the load. The first deflection may be a continuous function of the load, and the second deflection may be a discontinuous function of the load.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis and a cutting face, a plurality of blades spaced azimuthally about the cutting face and extending at least laterally through a gage region, and a plurality of cutters disposed along the blades. At least two different types of back reaming elements may be disposed on a transitional surface between the gage region of at least one blade and a connection end of the cutting tool. Alternatively, at least one back reaming element may be disposed on a transitional surface between the gage region of at least one blade and a connection end of the cutting tool, and a wear resistant material provided on or in the transitional surface.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprises a bit body including a cone region, a shoulder region, and a gage region. In addition the bit comprises a first primary blade and a second primary blade. Further, the bit comprises a plurality of primary cutter elements mounted to the first primary blade in different radial positions. Still further, the bit comprises a plurality of primary cutter elements mounted to the second primary blade in different radial positions. Moreover, a first primary cutter element of the plurality of primary cutter elements on the first primary blade and a first primary cutter element of the plurality of primary cutter elements on the second primary blade are each positioned in the cone region and are redundant. The shoulder region has a total cutter redundancy percentage that is less than a total cutter redundancy percentage in the cone region.

Abstract: A cutting tool cutting tool may include a tool body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom; and a plurality of rotatable cutting elements mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of rotatable cutting elements are mounted on the at least one blade in a nose and/or shoulder region of the cutting tool at a side rake angle ranging from about 10 to about 30 degrees or ?10 to about ?30 degrees.

Abstract: A roller cutter drill bit with mixed bearing types includes a bit body with at least one journal facet and a cavity facet. A cavity extends into the bit body from the cavity facet. The bit body is configured to rotate about a bit axis during drilling. A journal extends outward from the at least one journal facet. A first rotatable cutter that supports a first plurality of cutting structures has a journal portion received by the cavity. A second rotatable cutter that supports a second plurality of cutting structures has a cavity portion that is receives the journal.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter disposed in one of the cutter pockets, wherein each rolling cutter has a substrate, a cutting face, a cutting edge, and a side surface, and at least one blocker positioned adjacent to each of the at least one rolling cutters on a leading face of the blade, wherein each blocker has a retention end and an attachment end. The retention end of each blocker is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter to retain the rolling cutter in the cutter pocket and the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.

Abstract: Methods for depositing hardfacing material on portions of drill bits comprise providing a vertically oriented plasma transfer arc torch secured to a positioner having controllable movement in a substantially vertical plane. A rolling cutter is secured to a chuck mounted on an articulated arm of a robot. A surface of a tooth of the rolling cutter is positioned in a substantially perpendicular relationship beneath the torch. The torch is oscillated along a substantially horizontal axis. The rolling cutter is moved with the articulated arm of the robot in a plane beneath the oscillating torch. A hardfacing material is deposited on the tooth of the rolling cutter.

Abstract: A hybrid rotary cone drill bit includes a plurality of legs. A bearing shaft extends from each leg, and a rotary cone is rotationally coupled to each bearing shaft. At least one rotary cone includes a nose row of cutting structures, an inner row of cutting structures, and a gage row of cutting structures. The nose row and the inner row of cutting structures are formed of milled teeth. The gage row of cutting structures is formed of cutter inserts.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body, at least one leg extending downward from the bit body, a journal on each leg, and a roller cone mounted on each journal. A ball race is configured between each journal and roller cone, and a plurality of retention balls is disposed within each ball race. A ball hole extends from the back face of each leg to the ball race, and a ball hole plug fits within the ball hole. The ball hole plug is secured to the leg by a friction stir weld.

Abstract: Drill bits with at least two roller cones of different diameters and/or utilizing different cutter pitches in order to reduce bit tracking during drilling operations are described. In particular, earth boring drill bits are provided, the bits having two or more roller cones, and optionally one or more cutter blades, the bits being arranged for reducing tracking by the roller cone teeth during operation by adjusting the teeth spacing, cone pitch angle, and/or the diameter of one or more of the cones. These configurations enable anti-tracking behavior and enhanced drilling efficiency during bit operation.

Abstract: A fixed-cutter earth-boring tool includes a first blade carrying a first plurality of cutting elements and having a first stiffness and a second blade configured to have a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades, and providing at least one cutting element on at least one of the plurality of blades. At least one blade of the plurality has a stiffness different from a stiffness of another blade of the plurality. A fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit includes a first blade having a first aggressiveness, and at least one additional blade having a second aggressiveness.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body having a longitudinal axis extending there through, a plurality of journals extending downward and radially outward from the bit body, each journal having a journal axis extending from a base of the journal through the length of the journal, wherein the journal axis at the base is at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis, a roller cone rotatably mounted to each of the journals, and at least one blade protruding from the bit body and extending axially and radially along the bit body from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis greater than the first radial distance, and wherein the second end is at a gage region of the drill bit.

Abstract: Various downhole drilling tools designed and manufactured at least in part on evaluating respective forces acting on respective groups and sets of cutting elements during simulated engagement with the downhole end of a wellbore and drilling from a first downhole formation into a second downhole formation. Simulating forces acting on each cutting element as the cutting element contacts a downhole formation may be used to force balance downhole drilling tools during transition drilling or non-uniform downhole drilling conditions. Multilevel force balanced downhole drilling tools may be designed using five respective simulations, cutter group level, neighbor cutter group level, cutter set level, group of N (N=3 or N=4) consecutive cutters level and all cutters level. Various cutter layout procedures and algorithms may also be used to design multilevel force balanced downhole drilling tools which may drill faster with higher lateral stability, especially during downhole transiting drilling conditions.

Abstract: A cutting tool having a tool body with a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom and a plurality of rotatable cutting elements mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades is disclosed, wherein the plurality of rotatable cutting elements are mounted on the at least one blade utilizing multiple side rake angles.

Abstract: A superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact) including a substrate and at least one feature for reducing the susceptibility of the substrate to liquid metal embrittlement during brazing operations is disclosed. The superabrasive compact may include a region between the substrate and a superabrasive table in which residual tensile stresses are located. The at least one feature may be disposed proximate to the region between the substrate and the superabrasive table in which residual tensile stresses are located.

Abstract: A drill head including a tool holder, chisel supports mounted thereon and drill bits. According to this invention, the chisel supports can be separated from the tool holder.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools include a body, one or more blades projecting outwardly from the body, and cutting elements carried by the blade. The cutting elements include at least one shearing cutting element and at least one gouging cutting element. Methods of forming an earth-boring tool include mounting a shearing cutting element comprising an at least substantially planar cutting face to a body of an earth-boring tool, and mounting a gouging cutting element comprising a non-planar cutting face to the body of the earth-boring tool. The gouging cutting element may be positioned on the body of the earth-boring tool such that the gouging cutting element will gouge formation material within a kerf cut in the formation material by the shearing cutting element, or between kerfs cut in the formation material by a plurality of shearing cutting elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to greases containing metal sulfonate thickeners. In one example the thickener may be a calcium sulfonate thickener. In other examples grease may contain a combination of a metal sulfonate thickener and another thickener, such as a metal complex soap grease, detergent, or non-soap thickener. The grease may be formulated to meet specific performance criteria relevant to lubrication of a roller cone drill bit in downhole conditions. The disclosure also relates to a roller cone drill bit containing a grease of the disclosure.

Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body, comprising: at its upper end, a connection adapted to connect to a drill string; at its lower end, a plurality of journals extending downwardly and radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the bit; a plurality of roller cones rotatable mounted on the plurality of journals; and at least three rows of cutting elements disposed on each of the plurality of roller cones, wherein an outermost row has an extension height to diameter ratio greater than a mid row, and the mid has an extension height to diameter ratio greater than an innermost row.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit having a bit body. The bit body has a journal bearing coupled to an end portion thereof. A roller cone is coupled to the journal bearing. A first cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the first cutting element to a diameter of the first cutting element is between about 0.3:1 and about 0.8:1. A second cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the second cutting element to a diameter of the second cutting element is between about 0.05:1 and about 0.3:1. A height of the second cutting element is greater than the height of the first cutting element h between about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm.

Abstract: An insert for a rolling cone drill bit includes a base portion having a central axis. The base portion is configured to be seated in a mating socket in a cone cutter of the rolling cone drill bit. In addition, the insert includes a cutting portion extending from the base portion. The base portion has a radially outer surface including a non-cylindrical axial retention feature configured to prevent the insert from moving axially out of the mating socket or a non-cylindrical torque holding feature configured to prevent the insert from rotating relative to the cone cutter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rolling cone drill bit with inner row cutting teeth having portions shielded with an erosion-resistant material that differs in material properties from the tooth's core portion that is more impact resistant. The tooth includes shielding on at least a portion of the upstream end and along portions of the flanking surfaces. It includes shield-free portions on the flanks between the root and the tooth crest. Most of the tooth's perimeter is made of the core material and is free of shielding. Gage row teeth may be angled and form a channel to direct drilling fluid from the gage region of the borehole to locations where the inner row teeth are generating most cuttings. Nozzles are provided with non-uniform orientations.

Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations includes a bit body having a bit axis. In addition, the rolling cone drill bit includes a rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body and having a cone axis of rotation. The cone cutter includes a cone body, a plurality of teeth arranged in a first inner row, and a plurality of inserts. Each insert is disposed within one tooth in the first inner row.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction.

Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit for cutting a borehole comprises a rolling cone cutter mounted on a bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis. Further, the bit comprises a tooth extending from the cone cutter. The tooth includes a base at the cone cutter and an elongate chisel crest distal the cone cutter. The crest extends along a crest median line between a first crest end and a second crest end and includes an elongate crest apex. The tooth also includes a first flanking surface extending from the base to the crest, and a second flanking surface extending from the base to the crest. The first flanking surface and the second flanking surface taper towards one another to form the chisel crest. Moreover, the tooth includes a first raised rib extending continuously along the first flanking surfaces and across the chisel crest to the second flanking surface.

Abstract: In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a pad configured to extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, a pad on a face of the drill bit configured to extend and retract from the face, and a force application device configured to extend and retract the pad, the force application device including a hydraulically-operated rotating member coupled to speed reduction device configured to apply force on drive unit that applies force on the pad to cause the pad to extend from the drill bit face. In one aspect, the hydraulically-operated rotating member is a propeller operated by a fluid flowing through the drill bit.

Abstract: An exemplary cutting element for a rotary drill bit may have a forward end and a rearward end. The cutting element may include a substrate having a forward face, a rearward face, and at least one interface surface extending between the forward end and the rearward end. At least one of the forward face and the rearward face may be a substantially planar surface. The cutting element may also include a superabrasive layer bonded to the at least one interface surface of the substrate. The superabrasive layer may include at least one cutting edge extending between the forward end and the rearward end. An exemplary rotary drill bit may include at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The at least one cutting element may have a rearward end adjacent to the bit body and a forward end extending away from the bit body.

Abstract: Bits configured for drilling rock that are of the type that includes a plurality of teeth supported in pockets that are on a cutting face that is driven to rotate. The pockets are configured to allow the teeth to passively rotate while in the pockets. The present disclosure provides a bit having hardfacing around the pockets and related methods.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a plurality of annular blades coupled to a bit body. A plurality of gauge pads is coupled to the bit body and defines an outer cutting diameter. A circumferentially continuous gauge ring is coupled to the bit body and defines an inner cutting diameter. An inner cutting structure is coupled to the bit body and has a cutting diameter substantially equal to the inner cutting diameter.

Abstract: Cutting elements for an earth-boring tool include a substrate base and a cutting tip. The cutting tip may include a first generally conical surface, a second, opposite generally conical surface, a first flank surface extending between the first and second generally conical surfaces, and a second, opposite flank surface. In some embodiments, the cutting tip includes a central axis that is not co-linear with a longitudinal axis of the substrate base. In some embodiments, the cutting tip includes a surface defining a longitudinal end thereof that is relatively more narrow in a central region thereof than in a radially outer region thereof. Earth boring tools include a body and a plurality of such cutting elements attached thereto, at least one cutting element oriented to initially engage a formation with the first or second generally conical surface thereof. Methods of drilling a formation use such cutting elements and earth-boring tools.

Abstract: A cutting structure may include an outer support element; and an inner rotatable cutting element comprising a cutting surface at its upper end; wherein the inner rotatable cutting element comprises at least one line contact along a circumferential side surface thereof and/or at least one point contact at a bottom face thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein each blade comprises a leading face and a trailing face, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the cutter pockets, and wherein each rolling cutter comprises a cutting face, a cutting edge, an outer circumferential surface, and a back face. A back retainer is disposed adjacent to the back face, wherein the back retainer protrudes partially into the rolling cutter along a rotational axis of the rolling cutter, and a front retainer is disposed adjacent to the at least one rolling cutter on the leading face of the blade. Each front retainer has a retention end, wherein the retention end is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter, and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to a surface of a drill bit.

Abstract: A composite drill bit with a bit body configured at its upper extend for connection into a drillstring, comprising: a bit body (1) with at least one bit leg (3), at least one scraping-wheel (2) set with a cutter-row (4), and a set of cutters fixed thereon. The scraping-wheel (2) is mounted for rotation on the corresponding bit leg (3) with a large angular deflection ? in the range of 20°?|?|?90°. The cutters on the scraping-wheel break rock by means of successive scraping, forming a cross-cutting area on the bottomhole accompanied by the cutters on the fixed cutting unit, thus achieving high rock-breaking efficiency, even wear, high cooling performance, and a longer service life for the cutters, bearings and the drill bit.

Abstract: A scraping-wheel drill bit with a bit body configured at its upper extend for connection into a drillstring, comprising: a bit body (1) with at least one bit leg (3), and at least one scraping-wheel (2) set with a cutter-row (4). The scraping-wheel (2) is mounted for rotation on the corresponding bit leg (3) with a large angular deflection ? which lies in the range of 20°?|?|?90°. The cutters on the scraping-wheel break rocks by means of successive scraping, forming a spiral-like tracks on the bottomhole, thus achieving high rock-breaking efficiency, even wear, high cooling performance, and a longer service life for the cutters, bearings and the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having, at one end, a connection for securing the drill bit to a drill string and having a face opposite the connection end; and a plurality of cutting structures having at least one fixed cutting structure disposed on the bit body face and at least one cutting body rotatably attached to the face of the bit body; wherein, in a rotated view of the plurality of cutting structures into a single plane, there is substantially no radial overlap between at least one fixed cutting structure and the at least one cutting body.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: Roller cone drill bits operable to form a borehole. A number of support arms may extend from each drill bit. A cutter cone assembly may be mounted on each support arm. A number of cutting elements or inserts may be disposed on an exterior surface of a cone assembly. A lifting surface may be formed on each support arm extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of each support arm such that the lifting surfaces directs cuttings upward in a borehole. A wedge shaped portion may be formed on each support arm proximate the lifting surface and the trailing edge. An inlet to each lifting surface may be formed on the leading edge of each support arm.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit that includes a cutting cone with a cutting disk. Compacts are inserted within the disk having a chisel shaped end set flush with the cutting disk periphery. The compact crests and cutting disk periphery form a generally seamless cutting surface. The cutting cone can further include cutting teeth thereon also having flush mounted compacts. The compacts can be made from a material such as cemented carbide, hardfacing, tungsten, tungsten alloys, tungsten carbide and the cutter made from steel.

Abstract: Methods for forming earth-boring tools include providing a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between a first element and a second element and sintering the first element, the second element, and the boding agent to form a bond between the first element and the second element at the interface. The methods may be used, for example, to bond together portions of a body of an earth-boring tool (which may facilitate, for example, the formation of cutting element pockets) or to bond cutting elements to a body of an earth-boring tool (e.g., a bit body of a fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit or a cone of a roller cone earth-boring drill bit). At least partially formed earth-boring tools include a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between two or more elements, at least one of which may comprise a green or brown structure.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit comprising: one or more legs; a bit body having a blade and a slot for receiving the leg; and one or more wedge between the leg and the slot fixing the leg within the slot. The slot may have two parallel sidewalls with one of the sidewalls forming an acute angle and the other forming an obtuse angle. The wedge may be secured immediately next to the obtuse angled sidewall. The wedge may have two obtuse angled sides. One or more bolts through each wedge may secure both the wedge and the leg to the bit body. In a preferred embodiment, an obtuse angled sidewall of the wedge is preferably secured immediately next to an acute angled side of the leg.